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Mitera Collection, Top Pick for the Best Baby Gift Ideas

Mitera's Jennifer Maternity and Nursing Tank was a top pick for the best baby shower gift ideas by Good Morning Arizona! Check out the segment here....

Chic and Practical Clothing for the Working Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mama

One may wonder just exactly how it is possible to balance the heavy needs of raising a newborn infant and thrive in the workplace. Well, Yoko Shimada, mother of 2 beautiful children and mother of maternity and nursing fashion line Mitera has just the answers....Read more.

Build Your Breastfeeding Wardrobe

3 strategies to help you be your fashionable best when nursing on the go. Now that baby is earth side, you’re probably eager to get back to your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. But if you are breastfeeding, you’ll probably have to wait just a little bit longer....Read More.

Randi Talks about Her Favorite Nursing Clothing, Mitera

With Honest Feeding Stories, you’ll hear from parents like you about one of the most intimate and important experiences of family life. Happiness and heartbreak, serenity and struggle, joy and tears — it’s all here in their own words. Presented with our support and without judgment,.... Read More.

"Everything You Do, Do It with Style"

What inspired you to create “Mitera Collection”? Ultimately, my journey into motherhood inspired me to create Mitera but here is more on my journey. I am a passionate global health professional and an unlikely founder of a fashion company. . ..Read More.

When she became a mom and saw a major need for post-baby clothing, Shimada left her career in public health to found Mitera, a professional clothing line that makes breast-feeding and pumping easy for new working moms How I get inspired.....Read More

Working to Make Motherhood Easier

We all know that one woman in our office who finds a way to balance it all. She’s got two kids, is captain of the intra-office basketball team, and brings to-die-for lemon squares to share with the office on a weekly basis.But for the average working woman, maternity leave can be a trying and difficult time. ..Read More.

14 of the Coolest Baby Gifts and Gear We Wish We had When We were New Moms

If innovative baby gear is any indication, we can confidently say this is an awesome time to be expecting. My youngest just turned 6 years old, so I’m only a few years out of the baby stage, and yet there has been so much amazing change in baby gear even since he was an infant that I am left feeling just a wee bit jealous of all you new moms....Read More.

Ceci Johnson's Baby Picks

Tour Graphic Designer Ceci Johnson’s Bright Fashion-Forward Nursery with one-of-a-kind artwork, personal mementos and bright pops of color help transform a traditional baby room into a chic, relaxing space. If you’ve ever seen or received a Ceci New York wedding invitation, you know you’re the lucky recipient of a breathtaking work of art. ...Read More.

Creative Wife & Joyful Worker

Products that are just as valuable to momma as they are for baby are truly a win win. I don’t often shop for myself so when I find something that I love to use that is also helpful for my little ones it is a good day! Today I am sharing three practical everyday products that you will....Read More.

Pumping In Style: Tips For Finding Pumping-Friendly Clothing

t’s something every pumping mom faces at one point or another in her journey – that moment of “How am I going to pump in this outfit without stripping down to my underwear?” If you’ve ever been away from home and trapped in an impossible-to-unzip or otherwise inconvenient top or dress with a screaming hungry baby, or if you’ve just been frustrated at the lack of fashion-forward, ...Read More.

Trying to Get Pregnant

I got pregnant with my daughter Mari literally the first month that we went off birth control. We had no idea that we had practically won the lottery. This is one of many things in my life that came really easily, and now, looking back, I have such an appreciation for that gift. I had a really easy pregnancy and a quick delivery. Everything went so smoothly. That was my understanding of what it takes to ...Read More.

Need to Know: Heymama

We are truly amazed by how many moms and moms-to-be we meet that are simultaneously bringing up baby AND a small business (or sometimes, a big business). As entrepreneurial moms ourselves, there is nothing more motivating and inspiring than seeing other entrepreneurial moms that are hustling…and kicking ass. And now that heymama is here we know where to find them...Read More.

Modern Motherhood: the Postpartum Body

There’s no doubt about it—having a baby changes our bodies…for worse in some ways, but also for better. For example, after giving birth to Jack my body was in BAD shape. Though I didn’t have a c-section, I was essentially on house arrest for the full 6 weeks after delivery and only allowed to go up and down my stairs once in the morning and once at night to actually get to my bed. It. Was. Awful....Read More.

Modern Motherhood: Pumping at Work

As part two of the Modern Motherhood series with Mitera Collection, I wanted to discuss a topic that so many modern moms have to deal with: pumping at work. I think we can all agree that pumping is the worst. And pumping in your place of work just takes this up another level. Since I’m a stay-at-home, work-at-home mom and I don’t personally have experience pumping at work, I’ve asked my friend Madison from Espresso and Cream to share a bit about it—including ...Read More.

Mitera Maternity and Nursing Dresses

Okay, I’m going to get one important thing out of the way first: The maternity and nursing clothing line I’m about to tell you about is a splurge. Like, a really big splurge. But if your best friend has the nerve to get married when you’re still nursing your baby;; or say you’re pregnant and have a super-important work event for which you need a super-amazing dress that says I’m still in the game, oh colleague who’s eyeing my job; or even if you just want to gaze at the pictures of these amazing dresses and ......Read more.

Breastfeeding-Friendly Fashion

You’ve mastered the art of maternity clothing and know exactly how to stylishly dress to be comfortable and complement your baby bump at the same time. Then, you give birth and an even bigger challenge presents itself: How exactly do you dress to make breastfeeding easy while still feeling confident about how you look? ..... Read more.

How to Dress for Pumping at Work

Breastfeed. Be all hands on deck at home. Cook. Clean. Get back in shape. Eat healthy. Make time for your partner, your friends and your family. Crush it at work…while pumping… while looking stylish and feeling like yourself!The expectations on mamas these ....Read More.

Introducing the Pioneers who are Smashing the Glass Ceilings for the Next Generation

When Yoko Shimada was pumping in her old office’s lactation room, a small, windowless space in the basement of the building, a lightbulb went off. “I was half naked, and I remember thinking, ....Read More.

The First Two Months: Essentials for Life with a Newborn.

Miss Jane is two months old today! I can’t believe it. I had a grand plan to write this post after her first month and share all of the essential items that got us through those initial weeks. But the first few weeks are a blur, and now two months later I finally ....Read More.

5 Things You Should Never Wear When Breastfeeding

DON’T wear a non-breastfeeding top unless you have first layer underneath. Wearing a specially designed nursing tank will give you easy access to the boob and enough coverage to nurse in whatever you’re wearing. The brand Mitera makes a great one....Read More.

Partnership

We love partnering with Mitera, bit contest giveaways or fireside chats. An amazing luxe fashion company created by a working mama to take you through all the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding while still looking professional chic. Big bonus: every dress is machine washable + has pockets.... Read More.

Pleated Sleeveless Dress with Belt Here…

We all know that one woman in our office who finds a way to balance it all. She’s got two kids, is captain of the intra-office basketball team, and brings to-die-for lemon squares to share with the office on a weekly basis. But for the average working woman, maternity leave can be a trying and difficult time. Whether it’s the length of ... .Read More.

Summer Nursing Style

No matter how down-pat you’ve got your summer style, the introduction of breastfeeding will probably throw you for a loop. Those cool maxis, sweet shifts, and even your fave worn t-shirts just don’t give you the nursing access you need on the regular. And while you can definitely improvise, you might want to invest in some nursing-friendly fashion to ...Read More.

You're Invited! Talks in the Motherhood, Conversation no 1.

Friends, Clients, Mama’s and Mama’s-to-be! Please join me on WednesdayMay 18th from 5pm – 8pm, alongside Yoko Shimada, founder of Mitera Collection and a few other inspiring women in an open and honest panel discussion on today’s working motherhood! As a new mama myself, I’m familiar with the challenges of balance, transitioning back to ....Read More.

Tour Graphic Designer Ceci Johnson’s Bright Fashion-Forward Nursery

f you’ve ever seen or received a Ceci New York wedding invitation, you know you’re the lucky recipient of a breathtaking work of art. So when it came time to design her almost-4-month-old daughter Elle (“Ellie”) Hazel’s nursery, the award-winning graphic designer brought the same ......Read More.

It's in the Bag

Aside from often getting asked questions about what the girls are wearing, the other common question I get asked is how I manage outings with all 3 kids? As all mamas know, it usually take us forever to just even pack everyone up to leave the house that by the time you're ready to go, you're completely exhausted....Read More.

Pregnancy Party Fashion: Splurge or Steal

High and low pregnancy fashion for every holiday occasion.

You know what they say about the holidays: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Except when you’re pregnant and you can’t drink, you’re exhausted, and frankly, you’re not always feeling sparkly and fine. Don’t worry! Nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix! Whether you’re in the market for a splurge or a steal, we’ve got every pregnancy party...Read More.

An Interview with the Founder of Mitera Collection

We sat down with Yoko Shimada, founder of Mitera Collection, to talk about her philosophy, inspiration, background and more! . 1.How did you become inspired to found the Mitera Collection? Tell us about Mitera’s philosophy when it comes to pregnant and new moms. Mitera was directly inspired by my own experience of becoming a mom .Read More.

Working Mom Must-haves

3 inspiring working moms share the registry items they can’t live without. It’s hard to know what life with baby will be like, but if you’re planning to be a working mom, there’s some stuff that’s just universal. Like: the daily struggle to find balance is real. A little support can go a long way. And, your baby registry is for so much more than baby–....Read More.

Happy Weekend: 10 Links I love

It’s the first weekend of fall!! And I’m so ready for it. Both it being fall, and it being the weekend. I need them both desperately. I don’t know about you, but despite the scorching heat in San Diego, I’m busting out all things pumpkin, spice and flannel. Oh, and you can bet you’re bottom dollar I’ll be watching You’ve Got Mail before Monday comes around. It’s a must this time of year!...Read More.

Style the Bump: 37 Weeks

When I first became pregnant, I had no intentions of publishing weekly Style The Bump posts, but about 6 months into the journey I realized while facing my own prenatal style challenges that others were likely going through a similar struggle. As I started to consider my changing shape, comfort, and not wanting to break the bank, I discovered styling strategies and techniques that I knew ....Read More.

Modern Motherhood: Stay at Home, Work at Home

Today I want to introduce a brand new mini-series I’ve created in partnership with Mitera Collection, a clothing brand that celebrates the modern mother throughout her motherhood journey, creating beautiful, practical, and functional dresses that support her lifestyle. Over the course of four posts, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on topics related to modern motherhood while featuring the beautiful, nursing-friendly Ellen Dress styled...Read More.

Breastfeeding-Friendly Fashion

Pregnancy Attire: Interview with Mitera's Founder

How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration? Istarted Mitera out of a personal need. I was working at the World Bank as a health economist when I had my first baby. Going through pregnancy and later pumping at work where I had to meet a professional dress-code made .....Read More.

Global Healthcare Advocate and Mitera Founder Yoko Shimada

The link between mother-focused clothing label Mitera Collection and founder Yoko Shimada's previous life working to improve healthcare in developing countries may not be apparent at first — but it will once you hear her brand's full story. ...Read More.

Chic Clothing Brands for Breastfeeding Moms

Are you a breastfeeding mama? If so, you probably know of at least one challenge that getting dressed after giving birth to baby represents: accessibility to the breast. Like I tell my styling clients, you want to invest in a few items specifically designed to help you .....Read More.

Legit Mom Style: How to Wear Overalls No. 3

Playful mamas, this one’s for you! This is a look I am surprised I love so much. I admittedly got this shirt a while back and have worn it probably once, but when searching for options to wear with these new overalls it was basically shouting at me from the hanger! The pattern adds a playful touch ..Read More.

The Bump Diary: Week 26

I’ll admit, I was a little bit nervous when I posted my first entry in this new series. I wasn’t sure how people would react introducing this new part of my life into the content here. I did notice a few followers drop off from Instagram when I jumped into the topic, but overall I found it was some of the most engaging .....Read More.

Ethical, Sustainable Maternity Clothing

I never quite succeeded in creating a my dream capsule wardrobe, but before I got pregnant I was in a pretty good place clothing-wise. I'd found ethical versions of most of my wardrobe staples, sewn a few things, and curbed my purchasing habits quite a bit. I was hoping I could somehow adapt my wardrobe for pregnancy ....Read More.

What's in my Diaper Bag?

Ever wondered what changing bag I've done for this time and what I have in there? If you're wondering, so make sure you check out this video :-)

Here I go through everything I believe is necessary to have in a changing bag and why! Hope you enjoy it....

The Bump Features Ceci Johnson's Baby Nursery

Tour Graphic Designer Ceci Johnson’s Bright Fashion-Forward Nursery with one-of-a-kind artwork, personal mementos and bright pops of color help transform a traditional baby room into a chic, relaxing space.If you’ve ever seen or received a Ceci New York wedding invitation, you know you’re the lucky recipient of a breathtaking work of art. ...Read More.

Market OTB: The 10 Stalls To Visit This Weekend

Although this weekend marks its last until next year, Market OTB is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you're visiting for the first time or, like Team Bazaar, you're heading back for another round, here's our top tips on where to stop this weekend....Read More.

What are tips for pulling together a great maternity look on any budget?

It's easier than you think to look on point when you're pregnant—no matter what your budget is. The key is to splurge a little bit if you can on a few neutral maternity basics that can do double duty at work and on the weekends. Think: a nice pair of dark maternity jeans, a wrap dress, an elastic-waist skirt, and a few tanks or tees for layering. Then mix in pieces you already own (...Read More.

Business, Babies, and Breastfeeding: Challenges of Motherhood and the Workplace

On Thursday, October 8, Mama Glow–an online health, wellness,and lifestyle resource for expectant and new mothers–hosted a conversation on Business, Babies, Breastfeeding: The challenges + triumphs of modern motherhood + the workplace. To kick off the conversation, guest were treated to light refreshments..Read More.

The Fall Fashionista: Styling the Belly and Beyond

You are pregnant! You’ve got a bump but see a bumpy road ahead of you in maintaining your sense of style? Or you are a new mom over the moon about the arrival of your new baby but not so excited about the prospect of wearing ‘nursing-friendly’ baggy T-shirt and button shirts for the foreseeable future....Read More.

Modern Motherhood: A New Identity

Today is the final post in the Modern Motherhood mini-series I’ve been doing in collaboration with Mitera Collection. After discussing stay-at-home/work-at-home life, pumping at work and the postpartum body, I wanted to round things out by discussing the new identity that’s formed when we become mothers Fifty-two weeks into this parenting thing, life before Jack is honestly ......Read More.

The Best Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes

I get asked all the time by pregnant friends and readers about maternity style and shopping recommendations, so I figured it was time to compile my wisdom into one place :) Let’s kick things off by chatting about the maternity wardrobe in general, and then move on to my favorite places to shop for budget pieces, investment pieces and accessories..... Read more.

Fashion Find: Mitera Collection

A chic collection of nursing dresses to ensure you have one less obstacle postpartum. When Yoko Shimada gave birth to her son Hugo in 2010, she was in a state of euphoria as many of us new moms are. But, “there is another side of motherhood that no words can describe,” she remembers.“Nobody really tells you how truly challenging it can be. Sleeplessness, hormone-induced sweating, post-pregnancy excess weight and saggy stomach, postpartum hair loss, lack of time for any form of self-care like showering, ....Read more.

The Expectful Podcast

Finding confidence in your pre and postnatal clothing with Yoko Shimada, founder of Mitera. Could Your Maternity and Postpartum Clothing Help You Feel Empowered? Yoko Shimada thinks so. During her work in Global Public Health, Yoko became passionate about maternal health. ...Read More.

This.Is.Motherhood

The frazzled, overwrought mom. The mom who has everything together and smiles through it all. The helicopter mom who lives only for her kids. We constantly see these stock-standard portrayals of motherhood, so much, in fact, that we start to question if there’s something weird about us being , ....Read More.

Nice Diapers Change - the Wrap Clutch

Which accessories does every mother carry around? Exactly - you diaper bag. That can be practical, boring and good. Or! - A real fashion statement that's fun: the wrap-around clutch. Why should the noble vehicle only be searched in painstaking research and then .....Read More.

Breastfeeding Styling Tips

NURSING BRANDS: Regardless of how long you plan on nursing, having a few pieces specifically designed for it (think strategically placed hidden zippers) in your closet is game changing – and totally worth the investment. Most nursing brands (like Loyal Hana) are good for both pregnancy AND beyond. ..Read More.

Le Diaper (and Thoughts on Minimalist Motherhood)

Hey friends! It’s been a while since I’ve been here on the blog and that’s because I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. In a nutshell, this is the last time I’ll be posting here on Thoughts by Natalie. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this space I’ve had for so long, but it’s not the end of my blogging life completely! In fact, I’m so excited ..Read More.

That Mama: Yoko Shimada

A gorgeous mama of two beautiful children, Yoko is committed to making motherhood stylish. As founder of Mitera, a stunning collection of dressesspecifically designed for new and nursing mamas, Yoko’s mission began when she envisioned the perfect dress that would be suitable for all parts of her life...Read More.

Where should the Baby Live?

There are so many of you who are curious about how the new baby will get the room, about Nelia must share their room or if we have to lay down the whole walk in closet ;-) So I thought it was a good question to answer in a post: this house has four bedrooms, three upstairs and one downstairs. Downstairs we have a combined guest and fitness room, as well as that is where ....Read More.

Interview: Mitera

During my pregnancy I met Yoko Shimada – founder of Mitera, a motherhood centric brand for pre/postnatal life, specifically during breastfeeding. I joined Yoko, and the Mitera team as their on-site stylist for the Biggest Baby Shower event here in NYC, and at at 37 weeks featured the Grace dress in a ‘Style The Bump‘ post which to date is still one of my favorites of that series. That said, once Vida arrived I was excited to ...Read More.

The Big Reveal

To follow up on my post a few weeks back about breastfeeding-friendly styling tips, here’s a round-up of some non-specific nursing items to get you through this transition and beyond. It’s taken me a minute to create a temporary capsule wardrobe, but I think it’s essential to have an assortment that ensures you feel stylish, beautiful and put together. Breastfeeding for me has been an empowering experience, but when it comes to getting dressed there is a lot to manage: ....Read More.

Babes and Balance

Hello and happy week. I hope it’s a good one. Mine seems to be quite productive since I’ve started to tip toe my way back to work. I’ll be announcing my official return soon but am trying to routinely post again, and on Thursday I’ll be attending my first event since June. Hosted by Latham Thomas from Mama Glowand Mitera, the event is focused on ‘Business, Babies & Breastfeeding’ which couldn’t be a more appropriate . . ...Read More.

Talking Business, Babies, And Breastfeeding With Mama Glow

As part of their #MamaGlowSalonSeries, Mama Glow–the online health, wellness, and lifestyle resource for expectant and new mothers–is hosting a conversation on Business, Babies, Breastfeeding: The challenges + triumphs of modern motherhood + the workplace....Read more.

Bump and beyond: Chic pieces that work during pregnancy — and long after

Likewise, the Mitera Elif Dress ($168.00 at miteracollection.com) has hidden zipper access on the chest for convenient nursing or pumping access. Its edgy cocoon shape accommodates a growing belly, but looks ultra-cool after, as well. There comes a point while nursing when you get tired of .....Read More.

Your Soul Style X Mitera. Style the Bump: 35 Weeks

I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some epic maternity brands throughout my pregnancy, and in this week’s Style The Bump: 35 Week post, I bring you one of my newest faves: Mitera, “a fashion brand with a core mission to make mothers feel beautiful, confident and empowered.[The company] Mitera creates contemporary, smart and versatile clothing that provides style and comfort for nursing and pumping....” ..... Read more.

Chic Nursing Outfits

"Excited to finally share this video. I filmed it a while ago after I gave birth, but was unsure if I wanted to upload it since I was struggling with my breastfeeding journey. I wanted to give up with breastfeeding because of the demanding schedule, inconvenience, and of course the pain in itself ( I had Mistitis twice). The fact of the matter is that it’s incredibly inconvenient,.﻿", Chriselle LIm. Check out the video here.

Mitera Collection, Top Pick for the Best Baby Gift Ideas

Mitera's Jennifer Maternity and Nursing Tank was a top pick for the best baby shower gift ideas by Good Morning Arizona! Check out the segment here...

Chic and Practical Clothing for the Working Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mama

One may wonder just exactly how it is possible to balance the heavy needs of raising a newborn infant and thrive in the workplace. Well, Yoko Shimada, mother of 2 beautiful children and mother of maternity and nursing fashion line Mitera has just the answers....Read more.

How to Dress for Pumping at Work

Breastfeed. Be all hands on deck at home. Cook. Clean. Get back in shape. Eat healthy. Make time for your partner, your friends and your family. Crush it at work…while pumping… while looking stylish and feeling like yourself!The expectations on mamas these days are all-consuming and overwhelming, and finding your personal style ...Read More

Introducing the Pioneers who are Smashing the Glass Ceilings for the Next Generation

When Yoko Shimada was pumping in her old office’s lactation room, a small, windowless space in the basement of the building, a lightbulb went off. “I was half naked, and I remember thinking, ....Read More.

Pregnancy Attire: Interview with Mitera's Founder

How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration? I started Mitera out of a personal need. I was working at the World Bank as a health economist when I had my first baby. Going through pregnancy and later pumping at work where I had to meet a professional dress-code made me ....Read More.

Global Healthcare Advocate and Mitera Founder Yoko Shimada

The link between mother-focused clothing label Mitera Collection and founder Yoko Shimada's previous life working to improve healthcare in developing countries may not be apparent at first — but it will once you hear her brand's full story. ...Read More.

The Expectful Podcast

Finding confidence in your pre and postnatal clothing with Yoko Shimada, founder of Mitera. Could Your Maternity and Postpartum Clothing Help You Feel Empowered? Yoko Shimada thinks so. During her work in Global Public Health, Yoko became passionate about maternal health. When she became a mother herself, and returned to work, she found that ....Read More.

This.Is.Motherhood

The frazzled, overwrought mom. The mom who has everything together and smiles through it all. The helicopter mom who lives only for her kids. We constantly see these stock-standard portrayals of motherhood, so much, in fact, that we start to question if there’s something weird about us being , ....Read More.